Robert L. Baskin Sr.

Mr. Robert Lee Baskin loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle passed away on November 17, 2025. He was so happy to throw himself a birthday party celebrating his monumental achievement of living 100 years! He was such a kind, gentle, thoughtful and loving person.

On February 23, 1925, Robert was born to the union of Robert and Mary(Vaugn) Baskin in Kilmichael MS. Both parents preceded him in death.

Robert is a WWII Veteran serving with the 659th Part Company. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal.

Before Robert enlisted in the Army, he married Ernestine Baskin in 1942. They later left Mississippi and settled down on South Bend IN. Robert began making improvements to his life by obtaining diplomas from trade schools for auto mechanics, carpentry and Radio & TV. He was employed in various industries until deciding to open his own business. He owned A&B Record shop for three years before selling it. He went back to work using the skills he obtained from Trade School. Robert retired from St Francis Convent and began taking care of his ailing wife until she passed in 1999.

Robert met and married Dorothy Turner on May 6, 2000, remaining united with her until she passed on May 11, 2019.

Robert leaves to cherish his loving memory his sons, Robert Baskin Jr (Frankie Baskin/deceased), Glenn Baskin, James Smith/deceased (Wendy Smith) daughters, Ethel Lee(deceased) Louella Gary, Wannetta Reid (Melvin Reid deceased)

Grand children, James Jr (deceased) Reginald Smith, Reba Smith, Ericka Smith Rebecca Smith, Debra Baskin Mark Brown, Deirdre Baskin Robert Baskin Jr, Medeshia K Miller, Glenn Baskin, Racheal Bush, Keyana Fultz, Phillip Hobbs Jr., Xavier Hobbs, Zenobia Reid, Alonzo Reid and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Special mention to his nephew Benny Adams who tirelessly visited his uncle for many years.

Robert had nine deceased siblings,

Joshua, Alonzo, Sammy Baskin. Gennie Mae Yates, Loraine Williams, Earline Adams, Emma Tanner, Christine Woods, Jessie Gidion and one surviving sister, Judy Banks.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church -101 N. Adams St, South Bend, IN, where family and friends may begin to gather at 10am. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in South Bend, IN. Palmer Funeral Home - West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.